But now both are back and ready to return to the lineup for a crucial stretch of games over the next two weeks. They were full participants in practice Monday afternoon at the team's headquarters in Frisco.
Gurianov was arguably the Stars' hottest player when news broke that he tested positive for COVID-19. The 24-year-old winger found instant chemistry on a line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, and his offensive production took off. When the Stars came out of their extended break, he was a driving force behind their thrilling 6-5 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers on Jan. 6.
Gurianov matched a career high with a goal and three points that night, and it gave him six points (two goals, four assists) in three straight games dating to Dec. 20 vs. Minnesota.
Stars coach Rick Bowness says even just having Gurianov and Holtby around their teammates again is uplifting.
"They're both important members of the team," Bowness said. "We certainly missed Denis' size and speed. It'll be a welcome addition to have them both back. Holts is a great teammate and has a ton of respect from the players. It's always a good feeling for the players to see him sitting there, but I'll give Dobby Anton Khudobin] credit because he came in and did an outstanding job in both games."
Bowness says Holtby exudes a quiet confidence and goes about his business in an unassuming type of way. But when the veteran netminder voices his opinion, it's heard.
"He's quiet, but when he speaks people listen," Bowness said. "He says the right thing at the right time with the right tone. You have so much respect for the guy and what he's done, and with who he is, he has a good presence in the room."
After missing the past three games, Bowness confirms Gurianov will play Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. He'll be reunited with Benn and Seguin, but Bowness says Gurianov will be eased back into his role.
"He's not 100 percent yet," Bowness said. "He's going to play, but he's missed a couple days off the ice. We'll keep his shifts very short. We're just hoping he can pick up where he left off with Benn and Seggy."
NOTES:Tanner Kero and a support staff member were placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol Monday. Jason Robertson, who missed Saturday's game with a lower-body injury, didn't practice on Monday but is questionable for the game against Montreal.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.
